Parking Enforcement Officer: Job Duties, Requirements and Outlook

Learn about the education and preparation needed to become a parking enforcement officer. Get a quick view of the requirements as well as details about schooling, job duties and other requirements to find out if this is the career for you.

A parking enforcement officer monitors roads and lots, ensuring drivers abide by local and state parking laws. They typically hand out citations and communicate with drivers, also working as meter maids and traffic controllers. These workers should expect a large employment decline over the coming years.

Essential Information

Although parking is sometimes monitored by police officers, many cities, towns and private businesses hire parking enforcement officers to enforce local parking rules. These positions require a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver's license. Reading and math skills are also necessary. Parking enforcement officers must have knowledge of local parking laws and ordinances. Legal residency and a civil service examination may also be needed.

Required Education

High school diploma or GED

Other Requirements

Varies; may include residency and a passing score on a civil service exam; knowledge of local parking laws

Licensure

Driver's license required

Projected Job Growth (2014-2024)*

-21% (much slower than average)

Mean Annual Salary (2015)*

$38,280

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Job Duties of a Parking Enforcement Officer

Parking enforcement officers' primary responsibility is to ensure that drivers comply with local parking laws and ordinances and issue citations for violations. Most officers are assigned to a particular geographic area, which they patrol and monitor for violations, such as parking in a no-parking zone, expired meters and other types of illegal parking. Depending on the municipality, officers may also be responsible for collecting the money in the parking meters.

When drivers violate parking laws, the parking enforcement officer issues a warning or citation. If the vehicle has unpaid parking tickets, the officer may attach a boot or other locking device and notify a towing company. The officer is responsible for preparing reports and filing paperwork about violations, and may need to assist police officers in the event of an accident.

In some municipalities, parking enforcement officers may be assigned to work at special events, such as sporting events or festivals, to direct traffic and ensure parking is efficient and safe. Parking officers, because of their visibility in the city, also interact with the public, providing answers to questions about parking, directions or other information about the area.

Job Requirements

The specific requirements for becoming a parking enforcement officer vary by employer, but in general, this position requires applicants to be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. A thorough knowledge of local parking laws and ordinances is required, as is the ability to navigate the city or town efficiently. Some municipalities may require parking enforcement officers to be a legal resident or take a civil service examination.

In addition to education requirements, parking officers should be in good physical shape, since the position often requires a lot of walking, and have a valid driver's license, since they may need to travel by car to different parts of their assigned patrol area. Reading comprehension and math skills are required, as is the ability to clearly articulate a parking violation and communicate with others politely and professionally.

Employment Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual wage for parking enforcement officers was $38,280 in 2015 (www.bls.gov). Many parking enforcement officers were employed by municipal governments-- individual towns, cities or counties-- but colleges, universities and state governments can also employ parking enforcement officers.

The BLS projected to see a 21% decline in employment growth for parking enforcement workers between 2014 and 2024.

Parking enforcement officers patrol the streets to detect parking violations, ticketing offenders accordingly. A high school education is usually required and possibly passing a civil service test. These jobs paid more that $38,000 in 2015, but are projected to decline in number through 2024.